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| My team (minus one)! |
Many efforts were made to create an environmentally conscious space that is also aesthetically pleasant and inviting. If you are in Taipei, I would highly recommend checking it out.
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| Green parking lot pavers: Reduce heat created by spans of concrete/asphalt, Maintain a natural eco-system, Allow storm water run-off to eliminate unnatural flooding |
One of the drawbacks in this line of work, is that you can't always tell the effort that has gone into the project - not to mention, it is also sometimes difficult to visually observe the benefits of environmental design. However, as someone "on the inside," let me assure you that this store is a cut above the rest. This is not your average retail space - it's better!
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| High-efficiency light fixtures, designed of re-used scrap cardboard material, Controlled by day lighting sensors to turn off when unnecessary provide a comfortable environment without excessive energy consumption |
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| Finishes with high recycled content and/or Materials that are extracted and/or manufactured locally, Products made in Taiwan produce significantly less transportation emissions than imports and stimulate the local economy |
That doesn't really cover it, but those photos are just the tip of the iceberg, to help explain what elements were taken into consideration in the design & construction of this store. In an attempt not to carry on about business, I suppose I will just say that if you are intrigued and would like to know more about how this Starbucks has 'gone green', shoot me an email and I can talk your ear off... :)
The pavers are so cool looking. I used to wonder at all of the asphalt covering the cities. The water washes off to a creek taking all the crud with it. Is that for the whole parking lot area? One person complained once in a letter to the editor about how his neighborhood floods.......never happened until this big ole shopping center went in, and all that asphalt. And I think every parking lot should have TREES. Looks like a nice place you guys designed! OJ
ReplyDeleteOJ -
ReplyDeleteYes, the storm water run-off problem is a growing issue in our predominately concrete cities! Such dense urban areas developed in a way that is very simply "not natural". These pavers were used for the entire parking area at this store, and considering the amount of rain that we get here in Taiwan, they may be very beneficial.